Mikias Biazen Molla – Urban waste Management | Doctor at Hawassa University, Ethiopia
Dr. Mikias Biazen Molla is an Associate Professor specializing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing, with a strong focus on environmental management and climate studies. He has built a significant academic and research career dedicated to understanding and mitigating environmental challenges through advanced geospatial technology. His work centers on using GIS and remote sensing to assess and manage natural resources, predict climate impacts, and develop sustainable environmental practices. Recognized for his expertise in climate dynamics and natural resource management, Dr. Molla is regarded as a leader in the field, with a commitment to delivering actionable insights to address pressing ecological issues in Ethiopia and beyond.
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Education
Dr. Molla’s educational journey has equipped him with an interdisciplinary approach to environmental sciences and geospatial technology. He earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Management, with a specialization in Environmental Informatics, from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, in 2018. His doctoral research focused on applying geospatial tools to address environmental challenges, setting the stage for his future work in climate adaptation and resource management. Prior to this, he completed an MSc in Geo-Information Science (GIS and Remote Sensing) at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia, in 2011, where he gained a solid foundation in spatial analysis and remote sensing. His academic journey began with a BSc in Natural Resource Management from Jimma University, Ethiopia, which provided him with an understanding of environmental resources that continues to inform his work today.
Experience
With over a decade of experience in academia and research, Dr. Molla has held numerous influential positions at Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, part of Hawassa University, Ethiopia. Since 2023, he has served as an Associate Professor and senior researcher, actively contributing to both teaching and research initiatives within the college. His career path has included roles such as Assistant Professor, department head, and postgraduate research coordinator, showcasing his leadership skills and commitment to advancing environmental sciences in Ethiopia. Dr. Molla has also contributed to national and international training programs, providing expert knowledge on the application of GPS and GIS technologies to over 10,000 professionals in fields related to hydrology, resource assessment, and climate risk analysis.
Research Interests
Dr. Molla’s research spans several key areas within environmental and climate sciences. His primary interest lies in the application of GIS and remote sensing for the assessment, monitoring, and management of natural resources, especially in response to climate change impacts. He has conducted extensive work on modeling hydrometeorology and biogeochemical processes, exploring how these interact within ecosystems under various environmental and climate conditions. His research also focuses on urban environmental challenges, such as the urban heat island effect and urban green infrastructure, as well as climate prediction and early warning systems. Through his projects, Dr. Molla seeks to bridge the gap between environmental theory and practical applications, contributing valuable insights into sustainable practices that benefit both urban and rural communities.
Awards
Dr. Molla has received recognition for his work in environmental management and geospatial sciences, reflecting his dedication and contributions to the field. His achievements include project funding from prominent foundations, such as the Rufford Foundation, the British Ecological Society, and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). These awards have supported his research initiatives focused on sustainable wetland management, climate-resilient forest and landscape restoration, and the preservation of biodiversity. His academic contributions and impact in applied environmental sciences have also been acknowledged through his role as an associate editor for the Journal of Forestry and Natural Resources, where he collaborates with other experts to advance the field.
Publications
Potential landfill site selection for solid waste disposal using GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) in Yirgalem Town, Ethiopia, published in Cogent Engineering (2024). Cited by: 7.
Municipal solid waste quantification and model forecasting, in Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management (2023). Cited by: 12.
Spatio-temporal dynamics and drivers of land use land cover change in Farta district South Gonder, Ethiopia, in African Geographical Review (2022). Cited by: 15.
Energy production potential of municipal solid waste and statistical modeling: The case of Yirgalem Town, Ethiopia, in Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery (2023). Cited by: 10.
Assessing the trend and magnitude of land cover dynamics and its major driving Force in Omo National Park, Southern Ethiopia, in Cogent Social Sciences (2022). Cited by: 14.
Spatial driving forces of dominant land use/land cover transformations in Bako Tibe District, West Shewa, Ethiopia, in African Geographical Review (2022). Cited by: 18.
Impact of Climate Change on the Hydrology of the Upper Awash River Basin, Ethiopia, in Hydrology (2022). Cited by: 22.
Conclusion
Dr. Mikias Biazen Molla’s dedication to environmental management and geospatial sciences exemplifies his suitability for the Best Researcher Award. His extensive work in applying GIS and remote sensing to address environmental and climate challenges has had a positive impact on both academia and local communities in Ethiopia. Through his research, teaching, and leadership roles, Dr. Molla has inspired a new generation of environmental scientists and has provided valuable data and insights that support sustainable resource management and climate adaptation strategies. His achievements and commitment to advancing environmental sciences make him a highly deserving candidate for this award.